The Art of Randomology

Betsy and I…

2012-01-07T22:51:00.001Z

… got married

Vampire Gene eBooks

2011-11-28T17:13:00.009Z

So, who has a Kindle and wants something juicy to bite into??? <<< sorry... ;)

If your answer is yes, then you'll be glad to know Sam Stone's first three Vampire Gene titles are available in a variety of Ebooks, and here are the bargain places to buy them :

'Killing Kiss' Kindle = £3.98 - - - - - Buy the paperback for £8.99

'Futile Flame' Kindle = £4.99 - - - - Buy the paperback for £8.99

'Demon Dance' Kindle = £4.99 - - - Buy the paperback for £9.99

And don't forget, you can also ‘check in’ on Lucrezia in Sam Stone's short story "Lead Poisoning":

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Update for 2011

2011-10-06T22:53:00.004+01:00

Things have been VERY busy since I last managed some bloggage, so thought I’d run through a quick update.

Way back when, my last blog was about Frazer Hines on stage: I went to the opening night at Peterborough with my better half Betsy, sharing supper beforehand and drinks after with members of the cast, some of whom were a tad worried when they discovered Betsy was in from ‘across the pond’, and hoped their American accents were good enough! We loved the show immensely, and I had forgotten just how much I use to enjoy the theatre, and the wonderful friendships you can find within such places, be they formed in front of, behind, or upon the stage.

The following day Betsy and I headed westward with friend Sam, to spend a few days within deepest darkest… erm, North Wales. It rained. We saw lots of sheep. It rained. Oh, and there were some sheep too. We ate lamb, cooked by Sam *giggles*. Betsy fell in love with the place. She wasn’t keen on the rain, but the views were stunning enough for her not to notice half the time. AND THERE WERE CASTLES… Betsy loves castles, and wants to live in one. I won’t let her. Spent enough time in a palace as a kid, and know how cold they are… and am SURE a castle would be WAY colder. Not to mention, she’ll not be able to barbecue!!!

Back to London by train. Neither of us coped well with the tube, but all credit to the staff at Euston underground station, for stopping the escalator and letting us walk down (1,000 brownie points each). Once at Waterloo, I took Betsy for a stroll to the river, and her first glance of the Clock Tower of Westminster Palace: she was very quiet – couldn’t quite believe she was REALLY standing there, looking at a view she’d only ever seen in pictures, and DREAMED of. It was a magical moment for us both.

She got her second viewing a week later, along with a walk of FIVE THOUSAND MISSOURI MILES to see her beloved Tower Bridge.

Sad day when Betsy had to go back to MO., and then it was back to work with a bump. Work, work, work... and Skype. Gotta love Skype, for letting Betsy and me chat into the small hours together. Don’t love Facebook any more though: it may have been what brought Betsy and I together thanks to a couple of mutual ‘buddies’, but it causes too many issues for my liking. Staying only because Betsy wants me to - but waiting for Google+ to get busy.

Also got back into the website building malarkey with Betsy: it’s her job, and we both get a real kick from watching a site grow. And talking of websites.... here’s Frazer Hines’ new one: that’s the Official Frazer Hines Website, I might add! Be sure to check out the dates for his pantomime ‘Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs’ at The Embassy Theatre in Skegness. Lincolnshire, in December.

Now just waiting for Betsy’s house to sell... and then our time together can really get started. ..

Frazer Hines on stage

2011-04-17T21:28:00.011+01:00

'Five Blue Haired Ladies Sitting on a Green Park Bench'
by John A Penzotti.

Anna, Eva, Rose, Gladys and La La had only two things in common when they met seven months ago: a park bench and a life well-lived.

Through fond and sometimes painful memories, keen observations and a good belly laugh now and again, these gals are truly on the cusp of eighty, going on eighteen. Bound by each other’s strengths, wisdom and witticisms, each one unwittingly prepares for the day they leave the bench, perhaps for the last time. As the journey unfolds, it's those bonds that ensure, at least for these fearless five, that the grim reaper is not so grim after all.

A hilarious and moving story of five wonderful women guaranteed to make you laugh… and cry. So come to the park, sit, listen and enjoy their lust for life, love and laughter.

"It's Sex and the City on Sanatogen. John A. Penzotti's script is littered with smart one-liners. Hilarious, yet poignant." - Herald Express

"John Penzotti's bittersweet comedy... a sort of Golden Girls meets Heaven's Gate." - Whatsonstage

"Acclaimed as one of the best plays... excellent script... performed brilliantly with superb timing... the audience loved it! " - The Stage

Starring:
Anne Charleston
Lorraine Chase
Shirley Anne Field
Anita Harris

With:
Christopher Beeny, Frazer Hines and Tom Owen

Lincoln - Theatre Royal
Thurs 12 to Sat 14 May 2011

Plymouth - Theatre Royal
Mon 16 - Sat 21 May 2011

London, Dartford - Orchard Theatre
Mon 23 - Sat 28 May 2011
(no prizes for spotting the mistake)

Shrewsbury - Theatre Severn
Mon 30 May to Sat 4 June 2011

Belfast - Grand Opera House
Tue 7 June - Sat 11 June 2011

Peterborough - Broadway Theatre
Tues 14 June - Sat 18 June 2011

Cardiff - New Theatre Cardiff
Tues 21 - Sat 25 June 2011

Worthing - Connaught Theatre
Mon 27th June to Sat 2nd July 2011

Don't waste a day, an hour, a minute.

Love life every second of the day.

Get Frazer Hines Back in Doctor Who!

Lest We Forget

2010-11-07T12:43:00.006Z

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

*

A World Of War

The final shot had been fired.
The last fighter fell,
His enemy wounded and still.
All was dark.
A lonely wind blew through the void,
Whispering its silent wail of senseless agony.
A river of blood burst over its banks of death.
Pain seeped into the earth.
All seemed lost to the world of war.
Trees lay in splinters,
Lands barren and torn.
A moment of peace.
A moment of calm.
The Poppies will grow once more.

*

We will remember them...

"Demon Dance" by Sam Stone

2010-10-31T01:28:00.008+01:00

Oh, Lilly, Lilly, Lilly - may never have been a favourite flower of mine, but the woman with that name has most certainly become my favourite vampire.

A modern girl in all her thoughts, Demon Dance sees Lilly cast back in time to become the oldest vampire (un)known to mankind. And so her tale unfolds, as she bides away her years awaiting that moment she can finally reach back out to her love and creator, Gabriele - learning, teaching, and laying down the very foundations of the tracks she needs to walk. And Sam's use of 'modern language' sets Lilly's tale apart from those of Gabriele's in Killing Kiss and Lucrezia's in Futile Flame so wonderfully - Arseholes!!! *giggles*

I don’t know what the collective noun is for ‘choices’, but I think it will become know as ‘a corridor of options’.

And yes, apart from a ‘housework break’ it was another cover-to-cover read!... :D

p.166: brilliant... ;)

I’ve always enjoyed literature that creates a vivid world in my head, even if this one makes me have to glance over my shoulder once in a while. I want to ‘check in’ on the characters every now and then, and am thrilled that Sam has written the short story "Lead Poisoning" based around Lucrezia:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

I seriously hope there will be more... :)

Yes, yet another one bites the dust

2010-08-23T21:30:00.008+01:00

It's been a while since I last popped on to Metrain, so I don't know how long this video has been out of action (sorry), but for those who liked it.... here it is:

Doctor Who: Spoilin' For A Fight

And as promised to Carol, here is her fave:
(no prizes for spotting the theme)

Sam Stone - Vampire Gene Trilogy

2010-08-07T11:37:00.016+01:00

As the time draws ever nearer for the launch of

Sam Stone’s
Demon Dance
(Book 3 of The Vampire Gene Trilogy),

I thought it would be a great idea to point out that
Killing Kiss
(Book 1 of The Vampire Gene Trilogy)
is now available to purchase for the IPhone, IPad and Kindle:

The iPhone App

The iPad App

Kindle

As well as Adobe PDF at WHSmith, Ellibs PDF, and
OmniLit Adobe Acrobat/HTML/Epub
(where you’ll also find a little teaser in the form of Chapter One).

There are some great reviews on Amazon for Killing Kiss as well as Futile Flame (Book 2 of The Vampire Gene Trilogy) found here:

Killing Kiss on Amazon

Futile Flame on Amazon

Although, don’t forget, both books are still available to purchase in the old fashioned print on paper format here at Murky Depths, where you can also pre-order your copy of Demon Dance.

Sam Stone can be supported via Facebook here Sam Stone Author & Poet, where she loves to interact with all who care to drop her a line or two - although, be kind and play nicely: she's a wonderful lady, so if you upset her YOU’LL HAVE ME TO DEAL WITH, and then 'her David' will send the Yeti round to finish you off ... ;)

Mission to get Frazer Hines back in 'Doctor Who'

2010-07-07T17:56:00.009+01:00

Message from Sam Stone: "Some of you will already know this ... I'm on a mission to get Frazer Hines back in Doctor Who. I think he would make a great companion to Matt Smith's Doctor and I'd love to see him interact with the savvy Amy Pond. So, join me and let's see if we can raise awareness and get Frazer ...back on the show!!!"

To offer your support, you can join Frazer’s Fan Page, and the Jamie McCrimmon Appreciation Society created by Sarah Morgan on Facebook.

* New Link to the new campaign on Facebook to New *
Get Frazer Hines Back in Doctor Who!

... and some further words from Sam Stone .

James Robert McCrimmon (Jamie, or even Wee Jimmy, to his friends) was a piper of the Clan McLaren, like his father Donald, and grandfather, and was present at the Battle of Culloden on the cold, sleet strewn afternoon of April 16, 1746, when he met the roaming renegade Time Lord, known only as the Doctor, soon after the final throws of the fight.

Very little is known of Jamie’s life before meeting the Doctor, but what is known is that he became a trusted and loyal member of the TARDIS crew, having proved himself during the struggles that followed the bloody defeat of the Clans at Culloden.

Jamie always seemed ready, willing and certainly able, for each new adventure, and rarely daunted by what faced him, even if he didn’t fully understand what was going on (but then, the Doctor didn’t always understand at first either). His sharp intelligence showed itself over and over again, as he quickly adapted to each new setting and circumstance, following the Doctor (in most cases) with total dedication, even if he thought the Doctor had lost the plot once in a while. He was very practical of mind too, often spotting the mundane flaws in a plan long before those around him, despite their more sophisticated lives and education: I mean, what was the use of Zoe’s fancy calculations of rocket flight worth if they only had three days’ supply of food and water!

Fearless or blind stupidity, take your pick, but what you could always rely on was Jamie stepping in to physically defend both the Doctor and fellow companions. But he also had his own morals and, when the Doctor seemed to have forgotten his, Jamie wouldn’t hold back in making his thoughts known, adding to the complete honesty of their relationship. And when faced with the loss of a fellow companions (particularly Victoria), Jamie was quite open in his sadness too.

Frazer’s Fan Page already has over a thousand followers, all willing Jamie back; and the Jamie McCrimmon Appreciation Society is steadily growing in strength. So head over and join the mission now... as we all know Frazer would be only too willing.

There’s also the Jamie’s Highlanders forum if you’re a wee bit daffy too ... ;)

Steven Savile - The Last Angel eBook

2010-06-24T16:07:00.009+01:00

The Last Angel eBook
by Steven Savile

"Gabriel Rush takes a photograph of a beautiful sad-faced hooker in a down town bar and is stunned by what he sees when the picture is developed. At first he thinks it is a flaw in the photograph, but then he recognizes it for what it is, the mark of the Trinity Killer. It is the same mark that scars the faces of mutilated corpses that are turning up all over New York City.

Racing to warn the woman, Gabriel instead finds himself haunted by visions and fighting against time to save his future, the woman he loves, his friends, and - when the killer's identity is finally revealed - his own sanity."

Available (for just 99 cents until Aug 1st) from: Crossroad Press, Smashwords and Amazon

In October 1969, a literary genius was born - oh yes! And at the age of 19 he strung a bunch of words together, little knowing that some time later he was to become something rather special.

Happily for said genius, a.k.a. Steven Savile, I'm no competition to his amazing scribbles, as this blog clearly shows (in fact, the words that currently come to mind are "... any more use than a fart in a wet hole (sorry Steven, just had to nick that line)). So I do the honourable thing of stalking - *cough* - following his career with total devot... genuine admiration: knowing that all he expects in return is a cup of coffee and a slice of fruit cake (of the non-nutty human variety!) once in a while.

But back to that 19 year old Steven: I've just stepped out from his world of Gabriel Rush and Lieutenant Dan Mannelli, policing Manhattan's dark side - the Trinity Killer at work, with no obvious motivation other than to kill and make a mark on the world. We're not talking 'Cagney and Lacey' with blood smeared brush strokes of ‘Q: The Winged Serpent’ splattered about, but you're getting the idea... getting, that is, not 'got'. There's much more, oh so much more. "The magic that shouldn't, couldn't, be real." The images conjured up by Steven are far more intense and disturbing. But you really do have to give it a try for yourself: not that you need further encouragement, as my suggestion should be good enough in its own right, yeah? - pop across to Jeremy Duns Blogspot The Debrief and see what he and Steven have to say on the matter if you don’t believe me...

Remember, this novel saw the birth of a genius, a genius I say!

Happy reading. Mwahahahaha.... ;)

Kindle for PC - Get the best reading experience available on your PC. No Kindle required

Sam Stone on The Happiness Patrol

2010-05-10T22:37:00.003+01:00

Listen to Sam Stone
talking about her books,
and Doctor Who with David J. Howe, on
The Happiness Patrol podcast
... with Lewis, Tara and poorly Dale.

Get well soon Dale!

GallifreyOne 2010 interviews

2010-03-31T22:13:00.006+01:00

From the Youtube Channel of centralcolumn:

My interview with author Sam Stone, writer of the book trilogy, The Vampire Gene. Sam talks on her already published books and discusses her future projects. For more information on her novels, published through The House of Murky Depths, please visit Sam's official website.

Recorded on February 27, 2010 using a Flip Video camcorder is my Examiner interview with David J Howe, owner of Telos Publishing (former producers of the acclaimed Doctor Who novellas), noted Doctor Who historian and memorabilia collector, and author of the 2004 Doctor Who spin-off film 'Daemos Rising.'

My interview with Tim Hirst, that's Hirst with an 'I,' the publisher of Paul Castle's book Shooty Dog Thing. Tim, who leads the British publishing house Hirst Books, was a kind guest during my interview with author Paul Castle, and was gracious enough to chime in with his own thoughts on Castle's book and the upcoming Matthew Waterhouse biography, also to be published by Hirst Books this June. For more information, please visit www.hirstbooks.com to see Tim's other projects, including Anneke "Polly Wright" Wills' autobiography! And, of course, the lovely Miss Wills was present during this interview as well!

To finish my interview round with Paul Castle and Tim Hirst, I spoke with Anneke Wills, who playe Polly Wright with the First and Second Doctors in 1966 and 1967. Miss Wills was on hand to promote her two book autobiography. Thank you Paul, Tim, and Anneke for the pleasant and informative conversation!

ForeWord Reviews

2010-03-16T19:37:00.004Z

ForeWord Reviews
is pleased to announce the finalists in the
2009 Book of the Year Awards.

BOTYA
2009 Finalists in Fiction
Horror Category

An Unfinished House by K. Patrick Malone
Ever After by Nell Stark and Trinity Tam
Futile Flame by Sam Stone
Last Days by Brian Evenson
The August House Book of Scary Stories by Edited by Liz Parkhurst
The Kult by Shaun Jeffrey
The Pilo Family Circus by Will Elliott
Vargulf by Tim Garrity

ForeWord's Book of the Year Awards program was designed to discover distinctive books from independent publishers across a number of genres. The Awards program often serves to provide these worthy projects with a second wind of publicity.

My review

Chat Noir Productions

2010-03-09T22:11:00.009Z

To the Devil his Due

Live video edited by Chat Noir Productions using material shot by the band Diamond Head, during a recording session a the Wall Studio- NEWI Wrexham.

Not the Same

Music video for the Wirral Band, the Mockbeggars, filmed at Fallen Studios Arrow Park by Chat Noir Productions Ltd. (Daniel J. Fox & Mark Ellingham).

Fallen Industries Promo

Fallen Industries Music video promo filmed and edited by Chat Noir Productions Ltd

What Chat Noir Productions says:

Chat Noir Productions is a one-stop video production facility, serving clients across the UK.

From script to screen, we can provide the service that you need to produce stunning corporate and promotional films. We can also document your seminars and private functions.

We pride ourselves on NOT using a formulaic approach to video production, tailoring every Video / DVD to our clients' individual needs. Drawing on our experience in feature films & the world of television, we not only use cinematic filming and editing, but also a variety of advanced post-production techniques such as 3D and 2D effects / animation, original orchestral scores and sound design.

Chat Noir Productions Ltd
PO box 133
Neston
Cheshire
CH33 9BL
UK

"Futile Flame" by Sam Stone

2010-01-30T20:45:00.004Z

Utter indulgence. Having enjoyed 'Killing Kiss' so much, I knew "Futile Flame", book two of Sam Stone's Vampire Gene trilogy, was going to be good. And I knew it was going to be another book I'd not be able to put down until the end.

Yes sure, I had a few false starts, thinking I'd have a chance to sit and enjoy a damn good read, yet being forced to give way to real life and all its mundane annoyances. There was also the thought, in the back of my mind, that once read, I'd have to wait for book three 'Demon Dance' (which I'm eagerly watching the progress of as Sam keeps us online up-do-date with the current word count). But like the drive of a vampire, I needed to feed!

Book two reveals the life of Lucrezia: she who had summoned Gabriele into vampiric existence. Her shocking tale from the obsessions of a brother, her fall as his prey, her longing for freedom and normality. The strength of will she develops through mere survival creates a power beyond the usual tale of vampire meets girl, vampire falls in love with girl, vampire loses girl... or whatever the formula is for such things.

You become a part of Lucrezia's discoveries, much as you learn with Gabriele of the life he was thrust into, yet with the fresh eyes of a female, seeing the world of the late 1500's and early 1600's male domination being twisted and used to such great advantage.

With the revelations of her story, the whole book opens up into a new, greater dimension, leaving me in total awe of the new world created in my mind.

And yes I want, no, NEED more!

Oh, and Sam: yet again you made me blush a few times too...
:D

Lewis Bailey Animation PROMO REEL 1

2010-01-26T20:34:00.000Z

Lewis says: This is a promo reel of animated opens and elements I did while at Central Florida News 13.
These samples are just a few I made from 2003 to 2006.
Adobe After Effects and Lightwave 3D are the main programs involved along with Photoshop and Illustrator.
(music by Barry Grey...theme to U.F.O.)

"Killing Kiss" by Sam Stone

2009-12-27T11:56:00.006Z

I’ve only ever read two ‘vampire’ books before: Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, and Steven Savile’s “Vampire Wars” (which I haven’t quite finished, but don’t tell him as he seems to have forgotten about our deal). So it was with very little knowledge of the vampiric world, that I started to read Book 1 of Sam Stone’s the Vampire Gene Trilogy, and had no idea what to expect.

I thought I’d snuggle up with just ‘Killing Kiss’ for company, thinking I’d simply dip my toe in and test the water, and ... whooosh!... in I went head first! The only thing that forced me to put the book down (in the middle of chapter 19) was my streaming cold, that had made my eyes start to sting - I closed them for a few minutes, promptly fell asleep, then woke up less than half an hour later, and continued to read... to the end!

It’s been a long time since I was pushed far enough to read an entire book in one sitting (or as near as damn). One of Steven’s is on that list (well, if Vampire Wars wasn’t so long, who knows, that might have been two), and Mark Morris’ “Ghosts of India”. Came close with Mr Michalowski’s “Wet World”, so I include it here, or else he might cry.

But back to ‘Killing Kiss’.

As I’ve said already, I’m not at all knowledgeable when it comes to vampires, having never met one to ask those prudent questions. Yet, through the telling of Gabriele Caccini’s tale, his life story of four hundred years, Sam Stone has actually lit a spark of intrigue in me, and I’ve already started Book 2, “Futile Flame” (well, I read a few pages, but will start it afresh once I’ve finished here). I really don’t think it’s the vampire side of things that held my interest as, to be honest, vampires scare the be-Jesus outta me (thanks to Hammer House of Horrors!), but the characters, and Sam’s writing itself, is as hypnotic as a vampire’s stare, and the intelligence she uses to set the scene - not dictating, but merely suggesting what images your mind will conjure up - letting me, as the reader, feel part of the narrative - casting the spell (sorry, that’s witches isn’t it - but you get what I mean).

I love history, and thoroughly enjoyed Sam’s trips back in time, feeling the drift of Gabriele’s mind looking back, seeing his memories float in and out of present day action, the flow natural to the tale, never jolty or forced. Subtle descriptions gave each era away, again, treating me as the reader with absolute courtesy, and not s.p.e.l.l.i.n.g i.t a.l.l o.u.t like I’m incapable of independent thought. (There’s only one thing I enjoy more than reading the words of an intelligent writer, and that’s having a writer treat me with respect - Sam covers both).

I really don’t want to give any of the plot away, so won’t dwell (I also can’t wait to get back to Book 2), but I simply must state that page 213 is rather good... ;) If anyone needs to flea their past, then I couldn’t have picked a better destination.

So, I speak directly to Sam, and ask: when can I get my mits on Book 3 “Demon Dance”?
And send her and David my love.

Nick Davey Motion Graphics showreel October 2009

2009-11-14T18:24:00.004Z

In the truest sense of proper Randomology... enjoy!

Nick says: A sample of my work starting back in 2002 and going all the way to October 2009. Feel free to leave comments. I can be contacted at whereitsat@yahoo.com. Thanks for looking.

All content owned by BBC News.

David J. Howe interview...

2009-11-02T18:45:00.003Z

... on Kasterborous.com

"David J Howe has been associated with Doctor Who for a quite sometime. His books on the history of the classic series released during the 1990’s are regarded as some of the finest pieces to be written about the show.

His publishing house Telos has also released some excellent books which cover other cult shows such as Space 1999 and Sapphire And Steel as well as cult cinema. We caught up with David to ask what exactly keeps him a Doctor Who fan and what future plans he has.

What’s your earliest recollection of watching Doctor Who?"

For the answer, and many more questions,... click here

Crisps with Steven Savile

2009-10-15T19:08:00.006+01:00

Well, okay.... a slight porkie: there were no crisps, but there was coffee, diet coke, and a fruit scone!

Monique and her friend Greeny (so named as she has green hair) joined us at Costa Piccadilly, sat within sight of the East Window of St. James' (which I bored everyone about having ancestors married there in 1793). We managed a good couple of hours with just Steven having bought a single drink... some girly beverage with lots of frothy milk... ;) - but to make up for it, he managed to lower the tone with talk about cack, poo and plop (sweets, of which we all agreed we'd never eat, and have probably spelt wrong).

There was also much talk about books, and a wee bit about BEING 40... ;) And the most fabulously placed shameless plug of ALL time. Yes, I wrapped up one of my work's promotional pens for Steven's birthday pressie. Sheer genius, if I do say so myself. He liked the birthday card though... and yes, it was football related and taking the wee-wee out of Arse..., so all's well that ends well (now, who was it who said that?), and Steven was happy.

The poor thing was starving though, having only had a hugely expensive slap-up meal at The Langham (or some place like that). Enter the fruit scone - exit the fruit scone. Monique and I downed hot chocolates: yum!

Seems I just missed out on my arc for Silver, so will have to save my opinion of that for another time. I can, however, pop in the cover for Steven's new StarGate novel:

Further details here

*

Shame on you...

2009-09-30T19:20:00.003+01:00

A member of a forum, of which I frequent far too often, has posted this on her Live Journal account, and I just had to share it (with her permission) in the hope that we all stop and think about our online activities ...

"Please Read - Inappropriate Use of Photos"

"I am not usually one to get all up on my high horse about photos I've posted online. It's annoying when something you've posted ends up somewhere else without credit, but at the weekend I heard something that made my stomach churn. A complete stranger told me that she recognised my son from an email attachment that's been floating round. Apparently someone has taken a picture of him and Gareth David-Lloyd and captioned it "Ianto and Lisa's Baby". I can only imagine that someone saw the photo of Gareth and a small mixed race boy and there mind had that random thought. The thing is that most normal people would leave it there and wouldn't then pass that photo around with a silly caption. You have no idea how I felt on hearing that my son was being used as an object of amusement for someone. I share my pictures in very few places - my LJ (photo posts are usually flocked), my private photobucket account and this one photo was shared with friends on a Torchwood forum. What makes this worse is that it is probably someone I know that has done this. While I usually don't worry too much about sharing pictures of my son online this is taking it too far. I want to be able to share pics with my friends but this has seriously made me have to rethink that. Taking a picture of someone's child and knowingly editing it and passing it around is not cool. Not cool at all. I know this is my fault for being trusting but I wanted to post this so that people may think twice about how they use images belonging to others. I feel violated, I feel that my son has been violated and I just can't understand why someone would do that. it was creepy having a stranger approach me and say "I'm sorry to have to tell you this..." and then go on to describe the photo in detail. I just hope that by posting this the person who did this may see it and that they (and anyone reading this really) will have a long think about how they use other people's images without permission in future. There's not much I can do about this now but please, if you get this email, don't pass it on. Seriously fandom, it's creepy stuff like this that gives us a bad name."

Coke* with Steven Savile

2009-09-20T12:35:00.008+01:00

Yep, another meet-up with Mr. Savile, and this time I think the two of us drank enough diet coke to, well, raise the diet coke shares a few percentage... at least. Oh, and yes, ‘me and me fella’ got lost again whilst trying to find the hotel. Train to Richmond, check; District Line to Gloucester Street, check; Circle Line to Bayswater, check; bothered to work out the route from the station to the hotel before leaving, so we knew which way to go... erm... well. God bless street maps you can download onto a mobile phone... ;)

Steven was sat in the bar when we arrived, Mac laptop open, looking intelligent and cool in his jeans and open shirt, dressed ‘full circle’ as he says, like he had done in the 80’s, an empty glass to one side (to prove how long it had taken us to finally locate the hotel in Queensborough Terrace - 3 minutes from the station - but hey, we took the scenic route!!!).

First round in.. diet coke for me and Steven, an Irish cider for me fella, with the football results playing on the big screen telly - bit of a theme in hotels methinks, or is that just the way it looks (shame we hadn’t met during the Ashes). Steven was pleased to say he’d been moved from his tiny basement room to a big boy's one UPstairs, and then sat enthusiastically telling us all his latest news and gossip. Of course I had to tease him about meeting Sandra Bullock a couple of weeks ago - but then, if she will make a film ‘All About Steve’, who am I to argue?

Then onto news about ‘Silver’ - boy! is Steven excited about this book, and it’s hardly surprising. I can still remember him talking vaguely about it in the past, and even then he was excited: and who can blame the guy... it’s going to be one of those tales that will have you questioning so much about everything you have previously taken as, well... Maybe I should let you find out for yourself. And you won’t have any excuse not to read it when it’s released, as you’ll have the pick of fourteen different languages, such as French, Spanish and Polish.... or maybe you’ll try it in more than one!

Another round of coke & cider, and out came a couple of books I’d brought for Steven to sign, (with much giggling and sarcastic commenting): ‘Slaine: The Exile’ was very kindly signed by Ukko, that little darling who’s the REAL hero; and ‘Vampire Wars: The Von Carstein Trilogy’... which we then sat flicking through, as Steven explained the ‘over 700’ puns and references he had made throughout... highlighting some of the chapter titles, playing on songs that meant something to him which, for some reason, led into a hummed rendition of the 'Peter Gunn' theme - such is life.

And then it was time to eat: I let the guys choose the venue...

We may not have had a pool, and I certainly ‘ain’t no Sandra Bullock’, but Hollywood doesn’t have the "Whiteleys Centre" where we enjoyed MORE diet coke and a good fill of Mexican/Tex Mex specialities at Oscars. Delicious!!! And more talk about ‘Silver’.

This is not going to be a quick read, nor is it going to be an easy read, but our book shops are full of ‘best sellers’ that you can plough through in a couple of hours, which then end up at the local charity shop, having made NO impact, what-so-ever, on your life. ‘Silver’ is going to change you, challenge you... and have you thinking about deeper things than “will the hero get the girl/heroine get the guy (or new handbag/pair of shoes)”.

Steven is such an intelligent writer, and has probably been slightly stifled (my term, and used loosely) over the years of his ‘over night success’, but now he is coming into his own, and a thriller is were his heart lies. I don’t think I’ve ever met somebody who can hold me totally enthralled by simple observations, which he fills out with Plato-like philosophies. A chat with him isn’t just a natter about ‘how’s things?’, ‘did you see that thing about what’yer-ma-flip on the telly?’ and ‘what about old thingy-ma-bob saying...?’: it’s all that, and then some... and then some more. He always has an amazing theory or two (or ten), which you know are going to set you thinking... And then he’ll have you giggling in the corner with some antic he’s been up to... ;)

*Coke - well, I’ve had Coffee and Curry with Steve so far... but I don’t think I’ll be sticking to the formula next time... unless we go to a Butterfly Farm with a rather weird menu.

Dreamscape Extended Cut Trailer

2009-09-12T12:14:00.005+01:00

Final trailer for Chat Noir Productions first feature film, 'Dreamscape', written and directed by Daniel J. Fox.

Starring Daniel J. Fox, Mark Ellingham, Sandra Darnell, Magda Rodriguez, Richard Dodd, Mike Lockley, Chris Owen, Ian Paul, Abigail Fox
and Frank Pipkin.

Be sure to pop over to the 'Dreamscape' website too.

The Day of the Troll

2009-09-12T11:16:00.012+01:00

By Simon Messingham
(Now, where have I heard that name before? Hmmm....)

BBC Audiobooks - Due for release 8 Oct 2009.
Further details here

"When the Doctor arrives on Earth in the far future, he is horrified to find the planet beset by famine and starvation. England is a barren wasteland, and scientists are desperately seeding the ground to make the crops grow again. But now it seems that something even worse is happening. Karl Baring, the owner of research facility The Grange, has been snatched away in the middle of the night. His sister Katy was with him when he vanished, but is now in catatonic shock - so it is up to the Doctor, with the help of the scientists at The Grange, to investigate. What is lurking under the old bridge, and why is it preying on people? The Doctor must find out, before it strikes again... "

Written specially for audio by Simon Messingham and read by David Tennant, this brand new exclusive adventure features the Doctor as played by David Tennant in the acclaimed hit series from BBC Television.

Edit: Check out page 14 of DWM 413 - a nice interview with Simon Messingham.

Steve Chats - September 2009

2009-09-11T20:32:00.004+01:00

Yes, that's Steven Savile... chatting.... online!!!

SEPTEMBER 3, 2009 -

LA, the Roosevelt Hotel, to be precise, holds a special place in my heart. In 2003 I spent a week there attending a workshop run by Tim Powers and KD Wentworth. It was the week that changed my life. The one that convinced me I might have a career here. Kevin J Anderson, David Carradine, Bill Widder, and Charles Brown came to talk to us and convince us to quit (well in Charles' case). Bill gave us a great talk about pulps. Carradine rambled incoherently and was a salutary lesson of the ills of celebrity, and KJA talked business. It was an inspirational talk. Powers gave so graciously of his time and craft, and as a counterpoint Kevin essentially said 'you want to survive, know these things...'

Continued here...

Doctor Who: Shepton Mallet

2009-08-31T13:13:00.013+01:00

August 2009

Oh yes! A weekend away with my lovely 'cuzzy', thanks to Auntie Mags, and where do we go? Aye: Shepton Mallet when there just happens to be a Doctor Who convention - ah, what a coincidence.

Cuzzy did all the driving, seeing as I can't, and what do we see on the border of Somerset? Only an advertising banner for The Wurzels!!! Not stereotyped at all. But in the true sense of a Doctor Who weekend, we also spotted directions to a local quarry, so all was well.

We stayed at a gorgeous B&B, Burnt House Farm in Drove, just a few miles from Shepton Mallet.

We really felt welcome, and not only made friends with the lovely family there, but also the dogs and alpaca... yes, that's right: alpaca.

Probably best not mention that we nick-named this one Frazer.. ;)

Saturday was Wells day, or as cuzzy will have you know: 'Hot Fuzz' worship day. Photographs at St.Cuthbert's church, but not to stand under the tower - I've no idea why, as I've yet to see the film. Although I'm assured that spotting the swan on the castle moat meant a big deal. We wandered round the cathedral, and the town itself. Spotted a card with an almost de-kilted man on the front, which was nice - only to get back to the B&B to discover cuzzy had bought it for me (she knows me too well).

And so to the Sunday: Doctor Who Day, at the ACADEMY THEATRE, Shepton Mallet.
So, who was there... cuzzy, Marion and Barry... oh, and ME!!!

Me and Marion - don't ask.

But seriously - said good morning to Colin Baker as he arrived: charming man, who has so much time for the fans, and happy to stop for photos and a chat. Next to walk past was Anneke Wills and Ben Craze - so I said morning to them too. I think Ben was a bit surprised he'd been recognised.

The full line-up went something like this:

Wendy Padbury
Companion Zoe
Mary Tamm
Companion Romana
Sarah Sutton
Companion Nyssa
Deborah Watling
Companion Victoria
Frazer Hines
Companion Jamie
Anneke Wills
Companion Polly
Wanda Ventham
Guest Star ('The Faceless Ones', 'Image of the Fendahl', 'Time and the Rani')
Tracey Childs
Guest Star (New Series 'The Fires of Pompeii')
Ben Craze
Son of Michael Craze, companion Ben
Dee Sadler
Guest Star (Flowerchild 'The Greatest Show in the Galaxy')
Damaris Hayman
Guest Star (Miss Hawthorn 'The Daemons')
Lisa Bowerman
Guest Star (Cara 'Survival', Big Finish Bernice Summerfield)

Yes, there was a bit of mischief around Frazer's table: MARION! ... and it wasn't the first time that day now was it, eh? Mind you, I'm to blame for him flashing a bit of leg (not that he needed much encouragement). He had a fab tie on.

Frazer - TARDIS tie!!! - Marion

I also had a bit of a laugh standing in for Tim Hirst at Anneke's table - I hope that guy knew I was joking, but he did stick around, so ....

Also managed to tell Wendy Padbury I hated her. Well, there was this beautiful photo of her, so I said she looked gorgeous in it, and in real life too... I know, sickeningly cheesy (but true), so I had to address the balance and say I hated her, out of jealousy... :D

Wendy and Barry (told you she's still gorgeous).

And, of course, there was also the TARDIS

And that was the weekend... oh, apart from adding that cuzzy and I lived on JellyBabies, crisps and chocolate. I also fell in love with the cows on the other side of the valley from the B&B, but cuzzy wouldn't let me bring a couple home - something to do with scratching her paintwork: spoil-sport (but I think it was because she wanted to bring a certain alpaca home, and knew there'd not be room for us all).

Author on Author: Steven Savile

2009-08-27T18:57:00.006+01:00

AJ Tata: You are an international bestselling author having sold 250,000 copies with books printed in 14 different languages. To what do you attribute your broad appeal to such a variety of people?

Steven Savile: I don't know about you, but when I write I make a series of conscious choices that are outside of the writing, and one of them is made purely with the understanding that reading is a voluntary habit and is financed by residual income - the same income that pays for nights at the cinema, an evening at the sports bar, a packet of cigarettes, etc - so every word I write is competing with these vices."

Variance Publishing:
For the rest of the interview, click here.

Silver - Steven Savile interview

2009-08-06T10:52:00.004+01:00

McAfee Land has a rather nice interview with Steven Savile.

"I read the description of SILVER, and I have to say it sounds very interesting. Would you mind telling us a little about the book for the benefit of those who have not read anything about it?

Well, hmm, that’s harder to do than you’d think. I mean, Silver is a political thriller, for sure. It’s a religious thriller, absolutely. But not in any way you’d expect. The roots are in messianic prophecies, Judaism, Nostradamus’ predictions of the antichrist, and the nature of fear and how it works in the every day world we now live in. It’s a big book. Almost twice the length of anything I’ve done before, but it’s a page turner. The core concept is that the 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid have been melted down into a dagger and fundamentalists plan to use it to usher in the the next messiah… "

continued here

The Appelman Family

2009-07-28T16:11:00.003+01:00

Henry APPELMAN was possibly born in Germany. He is mentioned as the father of Adam in Adam's will of 1804, having money owed to him [Adam] from the sale of "Henry's" land in Oberingelheim in the Rhineland Palantinate (at the time in the French Republic).

Adam APPELMAN ("Henry") was possibly born in Germany. He died in 1804 (see will of Adam Appelman below).

He married Charlotte GORDON 27 October 1793 at St. James' Piccadilly, Westminster London; both of the parish, by banns, witnessed by John Reid and J. Gordon.

Adam was a pianoforte maker, and may have worked for the Kirkman family.

IGI records the birth and baptism of a Frances APPELMAN in 1789, the daughter of Adam and Mary. This seems to suggest a previous marriage.

After Adam's death, Charlotte married George Martens [Mertens] in 1810, at St. George's Bloomsbury.

Known children of Adam Appelman and Charlotte:

Joseph APPELMAN born 16.Feb.1795 - Marylebone, London.
Jane APPELMAN born 24.Jan.1802 - Marylebone, London.

Joseph APPELMAN (Adam - "Henry") was born 16 Feb 1795 in Marylebone London, and was baptised 21 Mar 1795 at St. Mary Marylebone.

He married Mary Ann Ricketts ASHTON 18 Dec 1825 at St. James' Westminster London; both of the parish, by banns, witnessed by Thomas Haynes and Laura Barnicot.

Joseph was a pianoforte maker like his father, although he was only 9 years old when his father died.

Known child of Joseph Appelman and Mary Ann:

Joseph John APPELMAN born 29.Jan.1828 - Marylebone, London.

Joseph John APPELMAN (Joseph - Adam - "Henry") was born 29.Jan.1828 in Marylebone London, and baptised 29 Jun 1828 at All Souls Marylebone.

He married Jane Elizabeth WILLIAMS 21 Oct 1850 at All Souls Marylebone.

Joseph John was a carver and gilder.

Children of Joseph John Appelman and Jane Elizabeth:

Mary Ann Martha APPELMAN born 14.Jul.1851 - Pimlico, London.
Jane Elizabeth APPELMAN born 1853 - Pimlico, London.
Emily Sarah APPELMAN born 1855 - Marylebone, London.
Katherine APPELMAN born 1858 - Islington, London.
Joseph APPELMAN born 1860 Pimlico, London.
Louisa Ann APPELMAN born 1863 - Lambeth, London.
John Herbert APPELMAN born 1867 - Lambeth, London.
George Henry APPELMAN born 1868 - Lambeth, London; died 1906
Edith Alice APPELMAN born 1871 - Lambeth, London.

Mary Ann Martha APPELMAN (Joseph John - Joseph - Adam - "Henry") was born 14.Jul.1851 at 18 St Leonard Street Pimlico London (cert.), and died 13.Sep.1868 [under the name Appelman] aged 17 at 1 Gye Street Lambeth (cert.).

She married [unconfirmed] Arthur WINDAYBANK

Joseph APPELMAN (Joseph John - Joseph - Adam - "Henry") was born in 1860, Pimlico London. He died in 1925, Camberwell London.

He married Eliza CLARIDGE in 1884.

Children of Joseph Appelman and Eliza:

Joseph William APPELMAN, born 1886 - Camberwell, London.
Frederick Herbert APPELMAN, born 1889 - Camberwell, London.
George Alfred APPELMAN, born 1893 - Camberwell, London.
Edith Alice APPELMAN, born 1896 - Camberwell, London.

Joseph William APPELMAN ( Joseph - Joseph John - Joseph - Adam - "Henry") married Beatrice E. BLOWERS in 1919.

Frederick Herbert APPELMAN ( Joseph - Joseph John - Joseph - Adam - "Henry") married Emily H. JAMES in 1910.

Children of Joseph Appelman and Emily:

Frederick W.G. APPELMAN, born 1912 - Kingston Surrey.
Sidney R. APPELMAN, born 1915 - Southwark, London; died 1916.
Ivy Lillian APPELMAN, born 19 Jan 1920 - Southwark, London; died 1986.
Hilda E. APPELMAN, born 1924 - Southwark, London.

This is the last Will and Testament

of me Adam Appelman of Great Portland Street

in the parish of Saint Mary le bone in the county of

Middlesex pianoforte maker whereas the sum of one

thousand one hundred and fifty six Goulders and twenty

two Kreutzers was at Michaelmas which was in the year

of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety six due

and owing to me from John Muller of Oberingelheim

in palantine in the territories of the French Republic

being the product of the sale of certain Land Given and bequeathed

unto me in and by the last will and testament of my late

Father Henry Appelman late of Oberingelheim And

whereas the said sum of one thousand one hundred

and fifty six Gouldars and twenty two Kreutzers is together with

interest thereon still due and owing to me Now. I do

hereby give and bequeath the said sum of one thousand

one hundred and fifty six Goulders and twenty two Kreutzers

together with all interest which shall be due to me thereon

at the time of my decease and also every other

sum or sums of money whatsoever which shall become

due or payable to me under or by virtue of the aforesaid

will of my late father deceased unto my wife Charlotte

Appelman, her Exois Admors and assigns to and for her and

their own use and benefit and as to all the rest residue and

remainder of all my monies and goods chattels and effects

whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind

so ever I hereby bequeath the same and every

part thereof unto my said wife Charlotte Appelman, to and

for her own use and benefit. And I hereby nominate

constitute and appoint Joseph Kirkman[*] of Broad Street

in the parish of Saint James Westminster in the county of

Middlesex pianoforte maker the sole executor of this my

Will and I hereby revoke all former or other will or wills

by me at any time made and declare this will to be my

last will and testament. In witness whereof I have

hereunto set my hand and seal this 20th of April 1803.

Adam Appelman [initialed] Signed sealed published and

declared by the testator Adam Appelman as and for his

last will and testament in the presence of us who in his

presence and at his request and in the presence of each

one of us have set our names as witness there to

Abr^m Kirkman, Fen Court London John Prentice

108 Great Portland Street

This will was proved at London the ninth day

of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred

and four before the worshipful Samuel Pearce Parson Doctor

of Laws Surrogate of the Right Honourable Sir William

Wynne Knight Doctor of Laws Master Keeper or Commissary

of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted

by the Oath of Joseph Kirkman the sole Executor named

in the said Will to whom Aduion was granted of all

and singular the Goods Chattles and Credits of the

deceased he having been first sworn duly to administer

Liar, liar, pants on fire

2009-07-23T09:47:00.002+01:00

I’m in a bad mood today, so thought I’d have a moan. But not about what has actually put me in a bad mood - you really don’t want to get me started on that one.

No. Today I’m going to whinge about liars. Not those who tell a little white lie to save somebody’s feelings, or to keep a confidence - those are nice lies. Nor do I mean the lies that are really just a stretching of the truth, usually borne out of pride or a little too much excitement.

What I’m talking about is the whoppers: the boasters who have nothing to boast about, so make things up to look good: the bullsh** lies. Those that do these wonderful things, or know personally these wonderful people, even though everyone around them knows ‘full well’ they don’t. And boy! do they throw the toys from the pram when you dare to challenge them.

And, of course, there’s the sh** stirrer’s lies: the ones said to cause trouble. I’ve had some of these directed at me recently. Sadly, though, I’m use to it, and really don’t care what these people have to say any more. They are nothing but petty-minded individuals whose only pleasure in life seems to be making others miserable. I’m sure you know a few yourself.

Yeah, sure, I’ve told some whoppers in my time: who hasn't? But I gave those games up when I stopped being a child, so to see grown adults still doing it is quite amusing. Especially when they actually start to believe the lies themselves after a while - that’s the best bit. And even better if they forget what they’ve said. Although, catching out a bullsh** liar is one thing, but getting a sh** stirring one is hilarious.

Signed: Moody of M*******

P.S. Might whinge about those who can't be grateful for what they have next time... ;)

No Spoilers Please

2009-07-11T15:38:00.009+01:00

People who know me, know I’m far from a ‘squeeing fangirl’ when it comes to Russell T. Davis, but this week has seen me doff my Rusty cap at Mr. D. and his team, and say: that was a damn fine piece of British drama.

Yes, I’m a fan of Torchwood, so what! It’s part of the Whoniverse in which I proudly live. Heck! even some of my friends are Whovians - well, okay, most of my friends are of that persuasion, and I’m proud of them too.

So... this last week: Torchweek, as I’ve seen it called, my schedule was pretty much set around 9-10pm for five nights. BBC1 on the wide screen, and following the Doctor’s instructions: DON’T BLINK

Sadly, I did blink a few times, and I did miss some bits of the action. I’m old! I can’t focus on the screen if it’s full of movement - but apart from my fogey ailments, I was glued, hooked, and then totally blown away.

Superb!

To me, series three of Torchwood went deeper into the drama, nicked plenty of emotion from ClassicWho, and took me on the biggest ride of my life for five consecutive nights. I don’t want to start mentioning specific scenes, comment on plot, or even make too much of an obvious hint, as I’ve friends who have yet to watch, but I will say: I didn’t see that coming, and I wasn’t expecting that... oh and, great jumping gob stoppers, that was just simply brilliant.

And wasn’t Nicholas Briggs FAB in front of the camera - MORE!

Mind you, I was a wee bit naughty: I did allow myself one twitter: “Spot the difference between DW fans and fangirls - DW fans get excited over a quarry/fangirls at seeing JB's *spoiler*”
Yes, I’m weak - I even spotted The Shippons (but that’s a private joke).

Nothing... Time.... Distance between.
Average existence measured by mean.
Space age deities, scientific gods,
Their glories received with pretentious nods.

But back to the Whoniverse we go, and boy! was the ending left wide open... dangling ... begging for more.
Love it.
And, although the end was a tad cheesy, isn’t that just part of Doctor Who... ;)

"Silver" leaf gilding

2009-07-03T00:53:00.008+01:00

"Move over Dan Brown!
Steven Savile's coming for you and he's got a silver dagger!" - Stel Pavlou, international best selling author of DECIPHER and GENE

The 'Silver' cover is here!

Further details

And don't forget, you can have a sneaky peak at
chapters One and Two

You can also show your support for Steven Savile
on Facebook

Young Windebank

2009-07-02T12:11:00.008+01:00

They shot young Windebank just here,
  By Merton, where the sun
Strikes on the wall. ’T was in a year
  Of blood the deed was done.

At morning from the meadows dim
  He watched them dig his grave.
Was this in truth the end for him,
  The well-beloved and brave?

He marched with soldier scarf and sword,
  Set free to die that day,
And free to speak once more the word
  That marshalled men obey.

But silent on the silent band,
  That faced him stern as death,
He looked, and on the summer land,
  And on the grave beneath.

Then with a sudden smile and proud
  He waved his plume, and cried,
“The king! the king!” and laughed aloud,
  “The king! the king!” and died.

Let none affirm he vainly fell,
  And paid the barren cost
Of having loved and served too well
  A poor cause and a lost.

He in the soul’s eternal cause
  Went forth as martyrs must-
The kings who make the spirit laws
  And rule us from the dust;

Whose wills unshaken by the breath
  Of adverse Fate endure,
To give us honor strong as death
  And loyal love as sure.

- Margaret L. Woods

The death of Young Windebank: Colonel Francis Windebank, shot at Oxford on the 3rd of May, 1645, following trial by Royalist Court-Martial, for the questionable surrendering of Bletchingdon House to Parliamentary Forces¹ the previous month.

Born c.1613, the son of Catholic Sir Francis Windebank once Secretary of State for Charles I, Colonel Francis had been raised as a Royalist, with both Royalist blood and Royalist connections. His paternal grandmother, Frances, was the daughter of Sir Edward Dymoke, and Anne ( née Talboys), and had herself royal blood from the descent of Edward III through the Percy line. Yet this thinning blood had lost its meaning, and the King himself, with the power to save Windebank as he had pardoned several others for similar offences, failed to act.

The Colonel, he who had been honoured for such bravery at the ‘Battle of Cheriton’ the previous year, was condemned to die for cowardice by the “councell of war”.

"Poor Windebank was shot by sudden court-martial, so enraged were they at Oxford; for Cromwell had not even foot-soldiers, still less a battering-gun. It was his poor young wife, they said, she and other ladies on a visit there, at Bletchington House, that confounded poor Windebank. He set his back to the wall of Merton College, and received his death-volley with a soldier's stoicism." - Carlyle's Cromwell

The Royalist Governor of Campden House, Gloucestershire, Sir Henry Bard, had written to Prince Rupert on the 28th of April 1645:
"The letter enclosed was sent to me from Oxford, to be conveyed with all speed possible. Pray God it comes time enough! It concerns a most unfortunate man, Colonel Windebank. Sir, pity him and reprieve him. It was God's judgment on him, and no cowardice of his own. At the battle of Alresford he gave a large testimony of his courage, and if with modesty I may bring in the witness, I saw it, and thence began our acquaintance. Oh, happy man had he ended then! Sir, let him but live to repair his honour, of which I know he is more sensible than are the damned of the pains of hell. And sure it will be a perfect means to his salvation. God and your Highness consult about it."
But Rupert never receive the letter, it having been intercepted by the enemy. The prince, ignorant of all knowledge, arrived in Oxford on the 4th of May - a day too late.

The Terrace Wall

Sure man's heart anguish ne' er hath broken here
This smiling air of natural repose,
Which over Merton's meadowed landscape glows
Yes, on this spot where the grey stone walls rear
Their hoary height, fell that poor Cavalier,
Who gave his post up to his monarch's foes
At iron Cromwell's summons, without blows,
Through gentle courtesy, not coward fear.

Perchance beneath where now I stand, he stood,
Setting his back against the college wall,
Baring his breast, not dabbled yet with blood,
A bold, unflinching mark for many a ball;
His young wife's name borne on his latest breath-
Short trial his, brief shrift and soldier's death.

- John Bruce Norton

A few months short of ten years after that fatal day, Jane, the widow of Colonel Windebank, married Thomas Teyrrill, esq. in London. Their daughter, Frances Windebank, married Edward Hales in 1669.

Interestingly, the eldest son of the Colonel’s sister Margaret, Francis Turner D.D., would later become one of the ‘Seven Bishops’ (as Bishop of Ely) who petitioned King James II on his second Declaration of Indulgence in 1688, and was imprisoned in the Tower of London for seditious libel. Despite this, Turner remained loyal to the Stewart king, and following the ‘Glorious Revolution’ later that year, refused to swear an oath of allegiance to William and Mary, thus becoming one of the nine nonjuring bishops.

¹ General Cromwell's Letter, that he had defeated Part of the King's Forces; and taken a House in Bletchington; commanded by Colonel Windebank, and articles, between General Cromwell and Colonel Windebank, on the Surrender of it.

Brothers - Kirk and Messingham

2009-06-18T00:18:00.001+01:00

BBC Radio 4 - well worth a listen

2009-06-16T08:45:00.004+01:00

From: here

On the Outside it Looked Like
an Old Fashioned Police Box
Tuesday 23 June - 11.30am

"Mark Gatiss, Doctor Who writer and fanatic, explores the hugely popular Doctor Who novelisations of the 1970s and 80s, published by Target books. Featuring some of the best excerpts from the books and interviews with publishers, house writers, illustrators and the actors whose adventures the books tirelessly depicted.

In an age before DVD and video, the Target book series of Doctor Who fiction was conceived as the chance for children to 'keep' and revisit classic Doctor Who. They were marketed as such, written in a highly visual house style. Descriptive passages did the work of the TV camera and the scripts were more or less faithfully reproduced as dialogue.

The books were as close to the experience of watching as possible, and were adored by a generation of children who grew up transfixed by the classic BBC series. Target Doctor Who books became a children's publishing phenomenon - they sold over 13 million copies worldwide. From 1973 until 1994, the Target Doctor Who paperbacks were a mainstay of the publishing world.

A Brook Lapping production for BBC Radio 4."

David Howe mentions on his blog Howeswho that he has contributed too:

"...Folks might be interested to know that I'm interviewed talking about the old Doctor Who Target Books on a radio documentary... "

I'll post the BBC iPlayer link as soon as possible.

EDIT: And here's the link (available for 7 days).

There's also a wee write-up on the BBC Doctor Who website, and the BBC Magazine pages.

Random bloggage

2009-06-07T23:35:00.007+01:00

It’s been a while since I last actually wrote anything more than a few lines (if that), so I thought it was about time I strung some of those things called words together. Not that I’ve much to say - I missed Mr Savile earlier in the year through a last minute hitch in travel arrangements (those who know me well know what I’m on about), so I can’t comment about the ‘mass signing’ that went on at Forbidden Planet, although I’m hoping to catch up with him, and possibly the lovely Lady Savile too, in August. Oh, and Steven, if you read this, I’m still waiting for that introduction to Joe Lidster you promised me - I need to know if I have the ability to ‘fangirl’ and/or ‘squee’. And whilst on the subject of Steven Savile (yes sir, you are more than just a man, you are a subject too), I think I’m just as excited about the publication of ‘Silver’ in October - how many countries/languages will it be coming out in now?

There’s also all the lovely Doctor Who events going on around the country: not that I can go to them, being totally skint and being mildly agoraphobic (with nobody to hold my hand) doesn’t help - but I’m enjoying seeing all the piccies on Facebook, and taking pleasure from the enjoyment others are having...

Now, what else has happened... Oh yes, the floods and leaks that my lovely flat has been dishing out. Pretty much sums up how jinxed I feel right now. Yes, I’m still in that dark and lonely place, BUT... I’m weeding out the negatives, and refusing to let them get the better of me any more. There are two major flaws to my theory (work and relationship), but I don’t air my dirty laundry in public, and I’m more than sure that you don’t want to read about such things. I have some wonderful friends in my life (‘specially you - you know who you are), and whilst in the solitude of lonely darkness, one is offered the most amazing environment to sit and count all those small mercies and little blessings, not to mention that guy Mr Michalowski cracking me up.

There was a bit of a surprise a few weeks back too. I won’t go into detail, as it’s not in my nature, but I have to admit that I did think it was wind up at first, so probably didn’t come across too well - but hey...

Moving on: At the end of March I went to a place I’ve been wanting to go to for years: that being York. I can’t believe it’s taken me years just to get back to the county. As a teenager I fell in love with The Dales (thanks to this place), and promised myself that I’d try and visit at least every other year once I was an adult (or move there). But as life happens, other priorities come into play, and before you know it, decades have passed you by. I won’t go into the matter of my climb up the steps of York Minster’s tower, but I do recommend you do it if possible (and thank those two lads and lovely lady for being so understanding, even if somebody else couldn’t). The city is amazing: the Walls, the Shambles, the art gallery (I just loved the painting by the stairs - if you’ve been there and know anything about me, you’ll know why). It was pee’in down with rain and blowing a gale most of the Saturday (yes, being up the tower in that was fun - walking along a wet gantry with only a handrail between you and a rather long drop was the best bit), but I guess that’s just another thing worth visiting the county for *wink*.

Well, that’s it for now... it’s getting late, and I need to save some things for another day (read: can’t think of anything else - but am bound to the moment I switch my laptop off).

Thanks for dropping by... *wavies*...

Frazer on Facebook

2009-06-03T08:30:00.011+01:00

Frazer Hines writes as his current 'status':

"Dear everyone,

I've only just opened a fan page, and so many people have replied from all over the world.

Thank you all so much for making me feel so wanted.

Frazer"

You will find Frazer Hines' Fan page here, so pop along and show your support.
If you don't already have a Facebook account, surely this is 'good enough reason' to join... :D

*

Anneke on air

2009-06-01T19:27:00.014+01:00

Anneke Wills will be on the BBC Radio Devon 'Judi Spiers Show' tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd June '09. The show is from 9am-Noon, and Anneke is expected to be on air around 11am.

If you can't catch it live, the show will be on BBC iPlayer here soon after the show.

And don't forget, you can show your support for Anneke via her official website, and on Facebook.

EDIT: Direct link to the radio show here
The interview starts around 02:06:50, but do be sure to listen to Judi Spiers' wonderful introduction to Anneke right at the beginning (around 06:25).
Available until:
12:02pm Tuesday 9th June 2009

Funniest programme description - EVER ?

2009-05-30T16:46:00.010+01:00

"Forget those overpaid young men who chase bags of wind around in the rain, an Ashes series is on the horizon. What better time to look back at the history of the summer game? The first episode of a four-part series focuses on cricket’s development in England."

Oh, and in case you were interested in the programme:

Empire Of Cricket
Sunday 31 May, 10.30pm, BBC Two
Further details here

EDIT: BBC iPlayer

- Episode One England: A look at how the English invented cricket and exported it to the wider British Empire.
- Episode Two West Indies: The story of the development of cricket in the West Indies.
(includes an interview with Michael Holding - he of that quote)
- Episode Three Australia: How Australia got the best cricket team in the world.
(and 'The Boy From Bowral')
- Episode Four India: The Indian game, from the sport of the English colonisers to the Indian Premier League.

All available until:
Sunday 28th June 2009

I've finally managed to watch all four episodes, and would like to congratulate the BBC for a job well done.

The British Fantasy Society - Open Night

2009-05-29T09:30:00.008+01:00

The evening of July 3rd '09, at 'The George' Fleet Street in London.

Further details here on their website. But, for the lazy amongst you ;) here's the blurb:

"BBC Books - Torchwood Discussion and Signing

The British Fantasy Society and BBC Books are pleased to announce that on the 3rd July they will be hosting a free Torchwood event at The George pub on London's historic Fleet Street, a short walk from Temple Tube Station.

Authors of the latest Torchwood novels from BBC Books, Mark Morris, Sarah Pinborough and Guy Adams are joined by scriptwriter Joe Lidster in an informal panel discussion hosted by Andrew Cartmel, fellow Torchwood author for BBC Books and onetime script editor of Doctor Who.

The discussion will last approximately one hour and will be followed by an opportunity for people to buy books and have them signed by those attending.

The event will start at 19.30 and is free to attend but please note that space is limited. "

And, on another exciting note (b#, I think),
Sam Stone will be launching her
new literary baby, 'Futile Flame'.

Details from here:
"The quest for the origin of the Vampire Gene continues ...

Gabriele searches out Lucrezia, who reveals to him the horrors of her teenage years in the house of the Borgias in the sixteenth century, and the possessive obsession of her brother Caesare who cannot accept that his love for her is unrequited. Her transformation as a vampire gives her freedom to escape for a short time, but leads to the terrifying world of the Allucians; throwing her back into the arms of her now much stronger and powerful brother, two centuries later.

Gabriele discovers that Lucrezia is just as much a victim of her past as he is.

Author and poet Sam Stone's first novel, Gabriele Caccini – The Vampire Gene Book 1 (as Paigan Stone), was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Like all good authors she drew on her own knowledge and passions to write it. The novel won ForeWord Magazine's silver award for BEST HORROR NOVEL 2007. In September 2008 Gabriele Caccini was re-edited and republished by The House of Murky Depths as Killing Kiss. She has recently sold a couple of short stories and is working on a film treatment for Killing Kiss as well as a new urban fantasy series for young adults. "

You can support Sam Stone on Facebook, or via her blog.

Update from Sam's Lair:

The Vampire Gene Series is available at
Borders, Oxford Street, London
Saturday 4th July 2009
12pm-4pm.

Sam Stone will be in store to sign copies of
'Killing Kiss' and 'Futile Flame'

Sampling Silver's delights

2009-05-26T17:55:00.008+01:00

.... that is, there's a sneaky peak at
chapters One and Two here

And there's a brief Q&A with the author
of 'Silver', Steven Savile, here.

You can show your support for Steven Savile
on Facebook here

I think that's all the updates for now... :D

A World Of War

2009-05-25T22:49:00.006+01:00

Earlier today I read a new poem by Sam Stone called 'The Dream', and it reminded me that I still hadn't dug out the old poem of mine that I'd been asked to post here ages ago (in fact, it was when I had my previous blog) - a bit late, I know, as it's was written for Remembrance in November... but I'll only forget again, so here it is now.

A World Of War

The final shot had been fired.
The last fighter fell,
His enemy wounded and still.
All was dark.
A lonely wind blew through the void,
Whispering its silent wail of senseless agony.
A river of blood burst over its banks of death.
Pain seeped into the earth.
All seemed lost to the world of war.
Trees lay in splinters,
Lands barren and torn.
A moment of peace.
A moment of calm.
The Poppies will grow once more.

'The Story of Martha' - audio

2009-05-22T07:48:00.008+01:00

I see that the audio for 'The Story of Martha' has been announced online. I thoroughly enjoyed the book (the stories and the concept), and highly recommend it.

There have been some thoughts I've shared with a few people: mainly, that I wonder if it's the BBC's version of 'Short Trips'... will we have the standard 'novels' and this new short story type as a regular set of releases in the future?

'The Story of Martha'

written by
Dan Abnett

read by
Freema Agyeman

further details
here

Due for release:
4th June 2009

*wavies* to Messrs. Lockley and Lewis - a family of penguins to Mr. Shearman - and a novella licence to... well, that's between me and certain Mr. Savile ;)

How to waste another evening the fun way

2009-05-20T01:43:00.007+01:00

What can I say... I was feeling down and lonely, so wondered if an hour or two on Facebook would be just what the doctor ordered (no, not the Doctor - he suggested I watch Classic Who dvds, so I did that as well).

Anyhoo.... Facebook... There were a few quizzes doing the rounds, and I thought they'd make a great distraction. Little did I know, four hours later (yeah, and the rest) ... You get the picture.

I did discover, however, that:

1) my "Euro-persona" is British - "You are sophisticated, well-mannered, polite and proper. You prefer negotiation over violence. You have a witty, sometimes wacky, sense of humor....", etc..

2) I should be living in the 1700's - "The world saw many revolutions in the 18th century, the bloodiest being perhaps the French Revolution (feel like grabbing a pitchfork and storming Bastille or a nobleman's estate?).

3) that I'm "upper class" (which I think had more to do with the fact I said yes to polo and horse racing than anything else (???)).

... but then a simply brilliant quiz came into view ...

4) Which Doctor Who are YOU?

Well, what were you expecting?

Actually, don't be fooled: there were quite a few of us in total who did this quiz, and most didn't get the Doctor they thought they would.

... and then, finally, the ultimate in ALL quizzes...

5) Which sort of Tim Hirst are you?

(for the record: I did question the postcard bit)

So that was my evening of fun... and, honestly, it was - would have been better if cuzzy had stayed up a wee bit longer (although, knowing our luck, msn would have crashed)... but on the whole it was a FABtastic evening with Alex and James on msn, and... oh, the usual suspects...

There was even a couple of bacon wraps at one stage!

Silver on twitter - Steven Savile

2009-05-19T07:17:00.008+01:00

StevenSavile 124,000 words down, into the last scene of Silver. Tomorrow the new novel will be done. Finished. Complete. And my soul will be damned.

[Well technically, Steven, a man's soul is only truly damned if he forgets his wife's birthday.]

And don't forget FaceBook for further updates on 'Silver', so take a look here, and join up to show your support for Steven Savile ...

Ah well, that explains it

2009-05-14T07:38:00.002+01:00

I did wonder, every so often: and now I know...

Which Star Trek Character Are You?
find out here

Silver twitterings - Steven Savile

2009-05-12T20:33:00.009+01:00

twitter with author Steven Savile

The latest:

StevenSavile - just wrapped another chapter and another storyline, one storyline to go and that's that for Silver. Feeling pretty chuffed. Grin. Feels good

StevenSavile - I am rather nervous about the bodycount in this book... I think it might be my most ahh mmm fatal todate... looks around innocently.

Anneke Wills - the autobiographies

2009-05-05T00:06:00.015+01:00

'Self Portrait' - what can I say: I laughed and I cried. Got goose bumps all over. An amazing story to tell, and what a wonderful way it was told - as if I were an old friend catching up on the gossip of years missed. The highs and the lows; the mundane and the totally eccentric; the loves and the passions, and the betrayals. But what shines through is the devotion of true friends, and the honesty that Anneke speaks. Although I guess there is one warning worth heeding: make sure the jam jar is big enough before you start.

And then I went off to get 'Naked': all the way through the 'Bhagwan years' I was often thinking of the time Anneke's mother had wanted to set the finches free from their cages in Spain - I wondered if, deep down, that Anneke had been frightened to be released from 'her cage', to be completely free, in fear of not being able to survive. I won't pretend to understand the actual details of these years, but the sense of spiritual healing rang true, and sure enough, the strength and belief in herself blossomed - and she survived the freedom in more ways than one. I sobbed my heart out for her, and smiled and cheered for her; and I cried some more, as much for myself as for Anneke. Then to feel the final contentment in her life is truly inspiring - she had Greers books, I have Anneke's.

Both books
Available online
through the official Anneke Wills website
here.

And please visit
Anneke Wills' Facebook page
here
(managed on Anneke's behalf by her publisher, Tim Hirst).

*

Twitter with Steven Savile

2009-05-04T11:29:00.012+01:00

twitter with author
Steven Savile here

Steven Savile, a #1 UK bestseller and International bestseller, is sure to frighten you with this tale of terrorism, murder and grim scenes... yet intrigue you with his vivid descriptions of landscapes, character interactions, and accurate historical events (speculative re-creation of course - this is a work of fiction after all).

'SILVER' - A Thriller by Steven Savile Due out October 2009, SILVER is a dark thriller that is both compelling and controversial like Dan Brown's, The Da Vinci Code.

EDIT 050509:
Steven Savile is currently celebrating selling 'SILVER' to Replika in Poland.

Doctor Who: Quarks

2009-04-28T01:07:00.008+01:00

Yes, well... I'm a geek, and I like the wee Quarks (not as much as the Krotons and Ice Warriors, mind), but they are so often overlooked.

Enjoy!

:D

(A trimmed version of the 7th variation was used for this video,and the 9th variation for this one)

"Naked" - Anneke Wills

2009-04-24T17:44:00.006+01:00

Available online
through the official Anneke Wills website
here.

Looks like Doc2 has found a juicy bit...

Image from Tim Hirst - see, I kept it secret like you asked me too... ;D

Please visit Anneke Wills' Facebook page
here
(managed on Anneke's behalf by her publisher, Tim Hirst)

EDIT: updated

I have a rival shameless plugger...

2009-04-20T21:31:00.010+01:00

... seems a certain Mr Hirst has some rather influential friends, and has called on the Doctor himself to advertise the VERY soon to be released 'Naked' second volume of Anneke Wills' autobiography...

Please visit Anneke Wills' Facebook page (managed on Anneke's behalf by her publisher, Tim Hirst) here , or the official Anneke Wills website here .

Wasting time the fun way

2009-04-16T23:24:00.006+01:00

I've been playing with Wordle using the text from this blog
- I guess it kinda reveals the truth ... ;)

:D

BBC Audio - by now you should have bought...

2009-04-07T08:24:00.011+01:00

Well, they were released 12th March '09... so what's your excuse... ;)

Ghosts of India

written by
Mark Morris
read by
David Troughton

further details
here

The Doctor Trap

written by
Simon Messingham
read by
Russell Tovey

further details
here

Shining Darkness

written by
Mark Michalowski
read by
Debbie Chazen

further details
here

Mark Morris - a sneaky peak

2009-04-06T15:52:00.004+01:00

From: the Mark Morris Q&A on Torchwood Forum

Q3: Do you prefer Torchwood or Doctor Who in general, and why?

A: It's got to be Doctor Who. I grew up with Doctor Who and have adored it since I was 4 years old. For me, it's the ultimate TV programme. The stories can be set anywhere in time and space - you can have historical intrigue one week, a humorous fantasy the week after, and a full-on gothic horror story the week after that. And it's all bound together by the most wonderful, wittiest, charismatic TV character ever devised.

I also adore it for its longevity - the sheer breadth and scale and scope of its history is awesome. I love the fact that you can bring back an enemy after 25 years, and that not only does everyone know who it is, but the return of that enemy makes front page news! It's incredible.

Also, as someone who is just interested in TV as a production medium, I love the fact that you can pretty much plot the course of TV history just by watching Doctor Who. You can see how things have changed technically over the years, and also how TV storytelling has changed. It's a fascinating journey.

It's not just me then...

2009-04-05T04:05:00.002+01:00

Click on the image

From: here

Thanks to cuzzy for spotting this...

:D

And I quote...

2009-04-04T13:12:00.007+01:00

"... using IE is like painting a bull's-eye on your forehead
and walking into a war zone." - email from Windows Secrets

... the 'Civil War Zone' probably...

:D

I have a little voice in my head...

2009-04-03T00:39:00.004+01:00

... and it keeps telling me to make 'norti-boy' Jamie vids. The main problem with this, of course, is that the little voice has a name... and it's called Meef... ;)

... but then, 'norti-boy' Jamie does meet his match this time ... lol

:D

Doctor Who – Planet Of The Dead

2009-04-01T17:48:00.001+01:00

Saturday 11 April

6.45-7.45pm BBC ONE

.... say no more.

:D

April Fool

2009-04-01T16:08:00.002+01:00

Prank played on the members of Torchwood Forum:

It is with great regret that I must inform the members of Torchwood Forum that effective immediately, all Moderators have been removed from their positions & had their privileges revoked. Yesterday evening, it came to my attention that Moderators had been disclosing confidential information from the Moderators Boardroom to other Registered Users on the forum.

As Moderators, they are kept informed of forum developments and information about the future of the website and its yearly events. This information is given to them in trust on the understanding that they will not disclose it or discuss it with anyone outside the staff forum.

Amongst the information which was leaked was the planned date for this years Cardiff Meet Up as well as information pertaining to a possible merger of our forum with another Torchwood website. This information has only been discussed in our staff forum and I was alerted to the breach of confidentiality relating to the Meet Up when I received a Private Message from one forum member thanking me for announcing the date as they have now been able to book their flights so they can be in the UK for our Cardiff event later this year. The information regarding our merger with another site has been discussed on a forum members Facebook profile yesterday afternoon. This information could only have come from one or more of our Moderators.

Understandably, I have attempted to find out who has been leaking this information. In confronting the Moderators, two of them decided to resign. As they have informed me that one or more of the other Moderators had also been passing information from the staff room on, but they are not prepared to admit it, I have taken the decision to replace all forum Moderators.

As I'm sure you can imagine, this comes as a complete shock & disappointment to me and I’m sure it does to you all as well. Forum Moderators have a tough job, but they do get some perks, one of which the involvement and planning of the website & it's future. This betrayal of trust cannot be dismissed and I feel my actions are justified.

There will therefore be Moderator positions available which I would like to fill before next weekend (11th April 2009). Previously, applications for staff positions have only been accepted from Torchwood Elite members, but due to the urgency of filling these positions, I would like to invite all users to apply if they feel they have got what it takes. As a moderator, you will be expected to enforce the Rules & Registration Agreement of TorchwoodForum.co.uk. As well as enforcing the forum rules, you may also need to conduct some administrative tasks such as dealing with reported posts/topics/users, moving/locking/editing/splitting posts & topics etc.

Site Administrator

I won't say how many fell for it... but it worked...
:D

Mark Morris Q&A

2009-03-31T13:19:00.012+01:00

The questions for Mark Morris' Q&A
have been submitted, collected, and sent
on to Mark ... :D

To find out what he's been asked,
and the answers, pop over to
Torchwood Forum (UK).

And then keep an eye out for
Mark's new novel
Torchwood: The Bay of The Dead
Due out 21 May 2009

A wee EDIT: Mark on Radio Leeds
here (interview starts at 1:10:25)
Available until:
4:02pm Wednesday 8th April 2009

EDIT: updated

This one's for Cuzzy...

2009-03-31T12:28:00.007+01:00

.. and yes, it has THAT shirt in it... ;)

But, as you may well know, I don't do mushy...
... although I'm pretty good at cheesey.

by the way: it was cuzzy's choice of music, so blame her. *giggles*

Enjoy!

:D

Anyone for a bacon buttie?

The Highlander

2009-03-25T18:40:00.006Z

... to prove that Jamie wasn't just a pretty face in a short skirt... ;)

For Meef, and a wee bit of that shirt for cuzzy too...

Enjoy!

:D

A short musical interlude

2009-03-24T21:04:00.000Z

Steven Savile - 'Silver' update

2009-03-24T07:52:00.006Z

Just spotted this comment on FaceBook, here

"SILVER - A Thriller by Steven Savile Due out October 2009, SILVER is a dark thriller that is both compelling and controversial like Dan Brown's, The Da Vinci Code.

Steven Savile, a #1 UK bestseller and International bestseller, is sure to frighten you with this tale of terrorism, murder and grim scenes... yet intrigue you with his vivid descriptions of landscapes, character interactions, and accurate historical events (speculative re-creation of course - this is a work of fiction after all).

So ready yourself! SILVER will haunt Da Vinci back to the struggling artist he really was."

:D

Doctor Who: The Ballet Suites

2009-03-23T21:43:00.007Z

Sorry I made you cry, Lemming013 ... I hope this will cheer you up.

:D

BANG, right out of the blue...

2009-03-18T10:35:00.004Z

... blue police box ???
But then, it's just a ride... ;)

Enjoy!

:D

Another one bites the dust on MeTrain

2009-03-17T22:04:00.003Z

So here it is... Jamie: My Life

Enjoy!

:D

Friends & Companions

2009-03-15T11:13:00.006Z

As MeTrain doesn't want it... I'll stick this vid here... ;)

Enjoy!

:D

No comment...

2009-03-14T11:53:00.006Z

.. so don't ask.
This has been made for the usual suspects (you know who you are), and one of them
in particular (I'm sure you'll guess, seeing as THAT shirt features quite a bit)...
;)

This is NOT my sweet innocent Jamie... you have been warned.

Disclaimer: this is NOT from MY point of view ... honest...

Oh, and it's all about Jamie's first curry really... truly...

Another Tribute to Troughton

2009-03-12T08:17:00.011Z

Just gotta love good old Doc2:

There's a little bit of 'just about' everything but, sadly, so many of Troughton's stories were lost many, many years ago, and the chances of finding copies scattered around the world is forever growing slimmer and slimmer ... :(

Enjoy!

:D

(Oh and, so far (fingers crossed), MeTrain hasn't kicked this vid' off .... yet.)

Coo-eeee....

2009-03-07T08:40:00.005Z

.... Is there anybody out there?

Just thought I'd share this from the BBC Science & Environment website:
(I do like Brother Guy's little piece)

What is the chance that alien life exists? Nasa's latest mission - the Kepler Space Telescope due to launch on Friday night to survey the heavens for Earth-like planets - could take us a step closer to an answer. Kathryn Westcott asks four experts whether mankind prefers the idea of being alone and unique or whether we long for cosmic cousins.

Robert J Sawyer is a Hugo Award-winning science fiction writer

Throughout the history of science, there have been a series of developments from Copernicus (who displaced the Earth from the centre of the Universe) to Darwin (who showed we weren't created full-blown by the hand of God) that knocked out our status of being special. The one claim to being special that we have been able to hold on to is the belief that Earth is the only place in the Universe where intelligent life exists.

For many people, there is a psychological need to be special, and so Kepler - which I bet will succeed in its quest - will take away from that. But for those of us who believe that Earth is merely a typical example and that life-bearing planets are common, Kepler's success will be a wonderful thing.

We already know that our galaxy is teeming with planets - that was the first step in dethroning us from being the only abode of intelligent life. Kepler takes us on the next step: determining if many of those planets are Earth-like. After that, we need to determine if such planets have life, and then if that life is intelligent. Still there are only two possible answers to the question of whether other Earth-like worlds exist - and whichever answer we get will be astonishing.

If we were to find intelligent life on an Earth-like planet, that civilisation would almost certainly be more advanced than ours, given that our Universe is 11 billion years old; we are absolute newborns on the cosmic state.

And, because we are so young, we are facing a huge crisis: our civilisation is on the brink of disaster because of our immature use of technology, both through climate change and through weapons of mass destruction. Many people think we won't survive; there's been a resurgence in the belief in Armageddon. To learn that an extraterrestrial civilisation has survived its technological adolescence would be an inspiring object lesson for us, and would help put an end to all the nay-saying and doom-mongering.

At the moment, people's focus is incredibly narrow - there is a lot of navel-gazing. We are not thinking about the big questions. If the Kepler mission is successful, our focus will widen - and that's all to the good.

Robert J Sawyer is the author of Hominids, in which Neanderthals have developed a radically different civilization on a parallel Earth

Dr Michael Perryman is a senior adviser at the European Space Agency

In the past 15 years, the area of exo-planet research has been one of massive progress. Since 1995, more than 300 planets have been discovered orbiting other stars relatively near to us in space.

But when it comes to whether Earth-like systems are common or not, we really are into the realms of pure speculation.

If Kepler finds Earth-like systems, the next question would be whether this is the kind of environment in which one might start looking for life. That next level of detail requires a few steps in inference.

The conditions must be right for life to evolve. These planets would have to be the right distance from their star to have liquid water, and would have to have a similar temperature to Earth. And, in terms of the host star itself, you need very special conditions: it would need to be the right age, mass and luminosity for life as it we know it to develop.

And if the planet is much lighter than the Earth, or much heavier, then the conditions would not be right either.

In terms of what Kepler might find, the best knowledge at the moment is that it might discover some 50-100 Earth-like planets, but we simply don't know.

Astronomers would not be surprised if that many were found. It's an exciting experiment, because it might find many more - or perhaps many less! Whatever it finds, it's going to advance our knowledge.

But is life as we know it common or unique? Earth's circumstances are really far too special to be easily replicated - there are so many coincidences, chances and conspiracies that seem to be needed for life to take hold and thrive.

Perhaps primitive life forms could exist out there amongst the almost infinity of worlds that probably exist, but as for intelligent life I'm putting my money on the fact that in the whole Universe, we are pretty much unique.

Brother Guy Consolmagno studies the nature and evolution of small bodies in the solar system. He is curator of the Vatican meteorite collection - one of the largest in the world - at the Vatican Observatory

We Jesuits are actively involved in the search for Earth-like planets.

The idea that there could be other intelligent creatures made by God in a relationship with God is not contrary to traditional Judeo-Christian thought.

The Bible has many references to, or descriptions of, non-human intelligent beings; after all, that's what angels are.

Our cousins on other planets may even have their own salvation story – including other examples of the incarnation of the second person of the Trinity. We are open to whatever the Universe has for us.

I am, however, sceptical that we will be able to have these conversations with any life form that is discovered... certainly, not in my lifetime!

The idea that there might not only be us is a wonderful one. It does not question our uniqueness or contradict our belief in God. For most people, if new forms of life were to be discovered, it would not mean everything they believed was wrong, it would only reinforce what they believed all along.

John Herschel, son of the discoverer of Uranus and a founder of the Royal Astronomical Society, argued that it would have been a waste of a Universe if God had only created one place where there were people He loved. This is not an argument based on logic, science or philosophy, but an aesthetic one.

The important thing is to keep in mind that the Universe is the deliberate creation of a loving God. Catholics should not be afraid to embrace such speculations, but we should always remember that they are just speculations. We don't know. But reflecting on these possibilities lets us appreciate in a deeper way what God's redemption actually does mean for us.

My science tells me how God created the Universe and that he loves that Universe.

We shouldn't be afraid of the truth.

I would be delighted if other Earths harbouring intelligent life were discovered. For most people, however, it would be nothing more than a nine-day wonder. I think that we've lived with the idea so much, from speculations by scientists to creatures in science fiction movies, that the human race is already well used to the idea that we are not alone.

We need to look beyond ourselves – that's what religion does when it's done right and what astronomy does when it's done right.

Dr Steven J Dick is an astronomer and chief historian at Nasa

The Kepler mission is definitely a landmark one, and finding an Earth-sized planet will raise the debate about whether we are alone or not.

We have known for a long time that we are not the centre of the Universe, the question now is whether biologically we are central. It's all we have left.

Even if intelligent life were discovered, we would remain unique in terms of morphology and form.

The chances are another civilisation would be more advanced than us because of the age of the Universe and the fact that our species is comparatively young.

For the human mind, this is a natural question going back to ancient Greeks. Because of popular culture, such as Star Trek, a lot of people would be expecting intelligent life to exist, and are already prepared.

The whole idea of life on another world would certainly raise a lot of debate, particularly in terms of how unique our religion and our philosophy is. This would be good, we have got into a rut of looking at everything from a terrestrial point of view.

Is it scarier to learn that we are alone or not? Well, there are those who would warn us to be careful but most people would be open-minded.

:D

Oh, my giddy aunt...!!!

2009-03-06T09:22:00.004Z

Those nice *cough* peeps over on the 'MeTrain' (or summin like that) website have decided that a couple of my vid's would be better without sound...
... so I deleted them... :D

They're still here though:

The Troughton Years
&
James Robert McCrimmon

They didn't think much of my latest either, despite the audio being so mangled ... lol

:D

Doctor Doctor

2009-03-04T19:49:00.019Z

I'd say this was quite a bit off my usual track...
... just hope it makes the two peeps it's meant for happy... :D

(Yes, this is version FOUR - don't laff ...)

Enjoy! Pip-Pip-Hooray (thanks for the tune), and Meef...
(oh, and a nice long 'shirt' clip for Cuzzy too... lol )

:D

Steven Savile - 'Silver'

2009-02-28T13:49:00.003Z

There's a nice page on FaceBook for Steven Savile's book 'Silver'.
Take a look here ... and join up to show your support...

:D

Not ALL fun and games, but...

2009-02-28T13:06:00.006Z

Here's a little vid' I put together to a piece of Janacek (a slightly cut down version of the Andante from 'Sinfonietta') - just thought I'd try something a wee bit different.

Let me know what you think...

:D

Hide-n-Seek... with sound!

2009-02-27T13:55:00.010Z

Yes, I finally got round to adding some audio... ;)

All clips taken from 'The Web of Fear'.

The original silent version is here.

:D

This cheerful disposition is brought to you today by a strong cup of coffee...

2009-02-26T21:20:00.003Z

... and Emma 'cover me with glue and dip me in glitter':

What did one saggy boob say to the other saggy boob?......... . We better get some support before people start thinking we're nuts!!!

Three nuns sitting on a park bench. A man in a trench coat comes by and flashes them. Two nuns had a stroke. One couldn't reach.

What do you call a chav in a freezer?....... Solid!

Welcome to the Church of the Holy Cabbage. Lettuce pray.
Our lager,
Which art in barrels,
Hallowed be thy drink.
Thy will be drunk, (I will be drunk),
At home as it is in the pub.
Give us this day our foamy head,
And forgive us our spillage's,
As we forgive those who spill against us.
And lead us not to incarceration,
But deliver us from hangovers.
For thine is the beer, The bitter, The lager.
BARMEN.

Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.

Two fish are in a tank. One says to the other, "I'll man the guns, you drive.

The great thing about snow is it makes your lawn look as good as your neighbours

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn't much, but the reception was excellent.

'Viagra' is now available in powder form for your tea. It doesn't enhance your sexual performance but it does stop your biscuit going soft.

Irony - It's like goldy and bronzy only it's made out of iron.

Wonder if the queen ever pulls the duvet right up to their neck and says.. "look Philip I am a stamp"

Two canibals eating a clown,one said to the other does this taste funny to you?

:D

"Timelord Retirement Club"

2009-02-20T07:32:00.000Z

Gallifrey Masquerade 2009

Into the Silence - Torchwood novel

2009-02-19T09:07:00.007Z

I got me ehands on a copy of chapter one of Sarah Pinborough's new novel,
Into The Silence, due for release in May '09, but don't ask how....

JOKE!!!

The kind people at Ebury Publishing offered an exclusive preview to the
members of Torchwood Forum - so I'd suggest you might like to pop along there
for a peek ... :D

The full May release consists of:

Into the Silence - Sarah Pinborough
The House That Jack Built - Guy Adams
Bay of the Dead - Mark Morris
(not that I'm trying to influence you .... much)

;)

Gordian - Torchwood Magazine, Issue 14

2009-02-19T08:45:00.003Z

Mr Steven Savile's new literary addition to all that is Torchwood, Gordian, with Jack, Gwen and Ianto, was to be a three-parter for the Torchwood Magazine but, after some rearranging, it's now a two-parter... and slot three will be filled with a mystery story... oo-er, I hear you say.

Anyhoo.. issue 14 is out now in the UK in the new bi-monthly format - lots of nice pictures (come on! give me a chance to read it ;) ... )

There's also a comic strip by some bloke called John Barrowman and his sister Carole - no idea who they are: google might know.

:D

Gotta love the Cybermen

2009-02-06T16:05:00.008Z

I think the poor Cybermen miss out on a lot of attention...
...those dustbins-on-wheels nick far too much for themselves...

Oh, and watch out for the DRUNK one at 0:42-ish (far left)... :D

LifeSpam

2009-01-23T23:59:00.003Z

New comedy sketch show written by Alice Lowe
and directed by Jacqueline Wright.

Starring: Simon Farnaby, Alice Lowe, Tom Meeten, Steve Oram, Clare Thomson, Steve Brodie, Sharon Horgan, Justin Edwards, Rosalyn Wright, Richard Glover and Margaret Cabourn-Smith.

A right giggle....

:D

Steven Savile update....

2009-01-14T05:42:00.004Z

The news is two-fold:

1) Meet Steven Savile at

Forbidden Planet London Megastore,
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR

Thursday 22, January, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

as part of 'Nine Authors - One Massive Event'
promoting the release of David Devereux's new book EAGLE RISING, along side:
Joe Abercrombie
Alex Bell
Mark Chadbourn
Jon Courtenay Grimwood
Tom Lloyd
Suzanne McLeod
James Swallow

P.S. Don't forget Steve's new novel:
Shadows - Book One of the Iblis Trilogy - Sg1-14 (Stargate Sg-1)

2)Mr Steven Savile has penned a 3 part story for the Torchwood Magazine, so keep your eyes out for it folks and folkettes...

It's called Gordian ... and that's all he's sayin' for now....

:D

All one, together...

2009-01-05T16:18:00.007Z

one Doctor, one show... many faces, many battles

...and a little bit of heartbreak thrown in too.

:D

For Lemming013...

2009-01-02T23:05:00.004Z

... the boys in uniform:

Enjoy... :D

All clips from The Invasion

Another For Cuzzy...

2008-12-31T16:33:00.005Z

Hope it's not too sad for you ...

All clips from The War Games

Look what Santa brought me...

2008-12-25T23:15:00.004Z

... with a little help from Benton (aka Alex).

:D

Silver Tongued Savile

2008-12-24T16:26:00.007Z

... re the previous post...

There's a great write up about it here.

Savile Update: plugedy-plug-plug

2008-12-24T08:22:00.002Z

Looks like Mr Steven Savile will be in London at the end of January '09, to sign copies of his new novel:
Shadows - Book One of the Iblis Trilogy - Sg1-14 (Stargate Sg-1)

More details to follow....

:D

Flood

2008-12-17T19:49:00.005Z

Not saying that the flood in my flat was bad, but this is Doc2&Jamie in my hall, whilst popping round for a brew-up earlier....
... :D

Jamie McCrimmon Appreciation on Facebook

2008-11-25T19:48:00.003Z

All's a wee bit quiet here too...

:D

Patrick Troughton Appreciation on Facebook

2008-11-25T19:43:00.008Z

We could do with a bit more company on Facebook: here

:D

Cheese on toast...

2008-11-13T09:20:00.004Z

.. with extra cheese sauce, and side of cheesey bits.

Poor Jamie - methinks he got a tad mangled once in a while....

;D

Can't get enough...

2008-11-12T13:27:00.003Z

... black lace-up shirt -- well, Cuzz can't (it would seem), so here's some more:

Enjoy, Cuzzy!

:D

Lunch on the run ... ?

2008-11-04T15:27:00.015Z

Steven Savile - Nanowrimo

2008-11-04T03:34:00.005Z

Watch progress of the novel Hallowed Ground online, as David Niall Wilson and Steven Savile pen/type their epic....

Pop yourself over to here for a look-see.

As Steven says:
... "In the spirit of November and to cheer on all of the guys who really want to write a novel and have signed up for Nanowrimo we've mapped out the entirety of the novel, Hallowed Ground, what looks to be about 100,000 words worth of Weird Western to be written in tandem over the next 5 weeks... think Carnivale meets Clive Barker by way of Ray Bradbury" ...

Good luck lads!

:D

Zoe and Jamie

2008-11-03T13:34:00.004Z

... thought it was about time Zoe had her turn.

:D

(mind you, there's still a wee bit of black shirt for Cuzz... )

.

Time for something...

2008-11-02T21:29:00.004Z

... a little different.

A Black Lace-up Shirt production ...

2008-10-27T20:07:00.005Z

... for Cuzz!!!

Enjoy!

:D